The French international performed stints at Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth before heading to Madrid in 2009.

While it is unclear whether Real are interested in selling, Diarra is quoted as telling Spanish newspaper AS: “Next season I won’t be playing here, I’m leaving.”

It is suggested that Harry Redknapp, the 26-year-old’s former Portsmouth manager, sees him as a possible replacement for the outgoing Wilson Palacios.

“If I had to leave Madrid then it is only for the Premier League,” Diarra told Sky Sports of a potential move away from Jose Mourinho’s side. “I loved my time there, especially my last year [at Portsmouth] before Madrid, as I won the FA Cup.

“But I am at Real Madrid, the greatest club in the world.”

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